Fool's Webcap
Cortinarius orellanus
Family: Cortinariaceae
Also called: Fool's Webcap, Orellanine Webcap
Overview
European deadly webcap with orellanine toxin causing delayed-onset irreversible kidney failure. Rare in NA but reported. Avoid all Cortinarius.
Edibility
Deadly poisonous
Rarity
rare
Trophic mode
mycorrhizal
Typical peak
Sep–Oct
Season
Sep–Nov — typical fruiting months: Aug, Sep, Oct.
Host trees & substrate
- Mycorrhizal with oak
- Mycorrhizal with beech
- Mycorrhizal with hemlock
Where it grows
See live fruiting predictions for Fool's Webcap on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.
Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.